A Short History of Verona, New Jersey 07044

The rolling hills and valleys of the Watchung Mountains and the abundance of hardwood forests, streams and productive farmland first attracted early settlers to western Essex County. In 1702, a group of colonists from Newark purchased nearly 14,000 acres from the Lenape Indians for the equivalent of $325. This area, comprising most of northern Essex County, was known as "The Horseneck," due to its unique configuration. They were joined by Dutch settlers from Bergen County. But clear title to the land was disputed several decades later by the original English Proprietors, resulting in "The Horse Neck Riots" in the 1740's, one of the earliest Colonial American challenges to British authority.

In 1798, after the American Revolution, "Horseneck" separated from Newark and became the "Township of Caldwell" consisting of what is now known as Verona, Cedar Grove, Fairfield and the Caldwells. By the mid-nineteenth century, this area was known as Vernon Valley. However, when application was made for a United States Post Office, the townspeople were informed that another Vernon Valley, in Sussex County, had first claim to the name. The name Verona was suggested as a substitute and was eventually accepted by all. 

Over the years issues arose which caused disputes between the Caldwell and Verona areas. These included a desire of the citizens of Verona to more closely control their own governmental affairs; with the population growing, Verona needed easier access to essential services such as schools and churches. As a result of these concerns, in 1892, the citizens of Verona and Cedar Grove voted to secede from Caldwell Township. Before long Verona found itself growing faster than Cedar Grove. This fact, along with the desire of Verona residents for a municipal water system and other public utilities resulted in the two towns deciding to separate in 1902. On May 13, 1907, the borough of Verona was officially recognized and incorporated by the State Legislature.